North Miami council adopts resolution opposing state bills that would curb local recognitions
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Summary
The City of North Miami unanimously adopted a resolution opposing two Florida bills—identified in the meeting as SB1134 and HB1001—that council members said would prevent cities from issuing proclamations or supporting events they consider part of DEI. Council also asked staff to coordinate lobbying and legal follow-up.
The North Miami City Council on Feb. 24 adopted a resolution opposing state legislation that council members said would strip municipalities of the authority to fund, recognize or publicize activities the state categorizes as "DEI." The motion passed unanimously.
Vice Mayor Cassandra Timothy introduced the proclamation package and read a prepared statement noting the city's majority Haitian American and Latino population and the stakes for local cultural recognitions. The resolution, presented as Tab F2, instructs the mayor and council to transmit the city's opposition to interested parties.
During discussion Councilman Kevin Burns urged adding language to ensure the city's lobbying teams convey the council's position in Tallahassee, saying staff and outside lobbyists should keep the issue "front and center." City staff and legal counsel noted there have been recent federal rulings on related DEI matters and said lawsuits were likely if the bills advance.
Mayor (presiding) framed the measure as a defense of local control and the community's ability to celebrate its history: "This is a bill that's really...it's really racist because they are targeting who would celebrate," the mayor said, urging the council to act quickly given the legislative calendar.
The council voted 5-0 to adopt the resolution and to transmit copies to the Florida League of Cities and other specified recipients. Council members also directed staff to work with the city attorney and the city's lobby team to pursue any necessary legislative or legal responses and to notify state leaders including the governor's office.
The adoption comes amid active debate across Florida about municipal authority to adopt proclamations and fund programs; the council described the action as an immediate, nonbinding expression of policy and corporate position by the elected body.
The resolution does not itself change city code or spending; any legal actions or additional lobbying were described as follow-up steps. The council recorded the vote as unanimous.